The apple by itself is a simple, round, everyday fruit. The apple is not an exotic fruit. Honestly, the apple is probably not the most sought after fruit. But yet here in Lincoln County, we celebrate apples with their own festival every September.

When you put a bunch of apples in a bag, then you have lots of simple, round fruits that you can now share with friends. When you create a festival based upon this simple fruit, you then create a sense of community. A community of friends, neighbors and families that gather to celebrate amazing foods, shop at local vendors and take time to celebrate our amazing county.

This year our community will gather on September 16th to celebrate the apple. Our community will be met with beautiful fall weather, the smell of apples everywhere, and the taste of pride in the air from the many local apple farmers. Amongst the children playing, the elderly remindful of past festivals, the farmers discussing their crops, and the many people enjoying the fried apple pies, a person experiences all of this in a small North Carolina town because of a small, simple, round, fruit – the apple!

Historically, gatherings celebrating the bounty of nature represent the quintessential element that unifies people and reminds us all of the life that we often forget. As children, we are told of the story of Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims and it’s this story of coming together that we are raised on. It’s an idea that seems so very Americana that the transition to the Apple Festival is as natural a progression as the transition from Summer to Fall. Apples, therefore, are no less than the act of communion in its purest form. Although it seems hard to imagine now with all of the paved roads and new-age trends that have pervaded Lincoln County, not long ago Lincoln County was a place of history. The streets weren’t paved and people didn’t turn to the conveniences of modern technology to make their lives easier. They labored and lived and were were content. Content isn’t something that seems to come too easily anymore, though. So, when that one time of year rolls around and the scorching temperatures of Summer are ushered out by the soft hues of Autumn, we come together. We bask in the content feeling that we get when we realize that life goes on and that it can be good. We revel in the fruits of labor and we enjoy life in its simplicity. The Apple Festival is our very own Thanksgiving feast where opposed to two groups meeting as opposites we come together and find ourselves as one.

Third Place Winner – Essay Caroline Jenkins 10th Grade West Lincoln High School

When I walk the streets of Lincolnton on the September afternoon of the annual Apple Festival, my heart always overflows with love. Love for the beautiful smells, the loud music, the laughter, and love for our town. The Apple Festival is an event I look forward to year after year. Not only is it a day full of joy and excitement, but it goes to show how our little Lincolnton can come together as one.

Each year, the Apple Festival attracts more than 80,000 visitors to charming downtown Lincolnton. That number wasn’t always so high, though. Thinking back to September 1972, along with Howard Waynick, who was the Agricultural Extension Agent, and local apple growers, Lincoln County’s first Apple Festival was held at Boger City United Methodist Church and attracted about 300 visitors. Yet, it wasn’t until 1978, that word was getting out and the festival was moved to Main Street, with an estimated 8,000 visitors, and it was in that year that the very first Apple Queen was crowned!

Ever since then, the Apple Festival has been a well-known event with so much support from all local businesses, church groups, bands, schools, and sports teams.

I’m so very honored to live in the beautiful town of Lincolnton. The Apple Festival contributes to each and every part of our community. It’s such a wonderful event in such a wonderful town. This town raised me, and I’m proud to say so. Lincolnton, I love you.

Strolling downtown,
in the beauty and culture,
the smiles of every boy and girl,
basking with childlike wonder.
Whether it be their first or fifth,
Memories bound that they won’t forget.
A day not unlike any other,
Yet will cherish forever.
Only come once annual fall;
one special event unites us all.
We celebrate the day,
as kindred spirits;
those who can hardly wait.
Friends and family shout with cheer,
“The Apple Festival is finally here!”

Second Place Winner – Poetry Chandler Drake Carpenter 10th Grade West Lincoln High School

The Apple Festival

In September every year
You will meet new people here
From afar and from this town
Anyone can come on down!
Activities and even food
Fills the heart with gratitude
Not talking ‘bout a vegetable
This is the Apple Festival.
More than 80,000 heads
Joined to eat those tasty reds
For little kids there are some rides
And come and try our apple pies
Recipes from your great maw
Will win the contest above all.
Business’ will make some money
From people filling up their tummy
Everyone making new friends
‘cause many people do attend
On this day we come together
We make memories forever
The festival is a great thing
I am so glad that it’s not spring.

Third Place Winner – Poetry Chloe Brooks 10th Grade West Lincoln High School

Forty-five years of fun,
Apple decorating and apple runs,
Pageants and contests to be won,
All day long in the blazing hot sun.
Money raised, there is a ton,
Some goes back to college funds.
Apple farmers won’t quit ‘till the work is done,
So let’s come together to celebrate as one.

Whisk dry ingredients together. Beat butter, brown sugar and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla. Add flour in 3 portions and milk in 2 portions to the butter mixture. Mix just until combined. Stir in apples.

The 2016 Cooperative Extension “Battle of the Apple Dishes” will take place as part of the Lincoln County Apple Festival’s “Ag. City” on West Main Street, September 17th, 2016. This year the Apple Dish Contest is getting a more serious location, a more serious name, and more serious cash prizes than ever. So get your baddest (that means best) apple recipe out, and get ready to rumble!

This year’s “Battle of the Apple Dishes” will be a cage match (screened-in outdoor tent). That way we can have all the apple treats on display outside for festival going fans to see without worrying about keeping flying critters away!

There will be 4 classes of apple competitors: Adult Sweet, Adult Savory, Youth Ages 8-12 any apple recipe and Youth Ages 13-17 any apple recipe. Each class will have a $50.00 first prize and a $25.00 second prize, with all prizes sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank and the Lincoln County Apple Board.

The Grand Champion of the whole “Battle of the Apple Dishes” will take home a $100.00 Grand Prize, and will automatically be officially authorized to brag about it all year long!

Recipe submissions must be in before September 14th and can be emailed to judy_moore@ncsu.edu or mailed to: NC Cooperative Extension, 115 West Main St., Lincolnton NC 28092. The prepared dish must be brought to the Ag.City area of the Apple Festival on Saturday, September 17th between the hours of 8:00am and 9:00am. Ag.City is located on West Main Street, 2 lots west of the Citizens Center. Prizes will be announced at 12:00 noon. Call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8461 for further details on how to enter YOUR “baddest” recipe in the Apple Battle of the Year!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 28, 2016
For more info, contact Carole Howell at 704-530-4636

Apple Festival Board reveals this year’s festival t-shirt design

Lincoln County resident Matt Donnelly, a senior in graphic design at Appalachian State University, submitted the winning design for this year’s Apple Festival t-shirt and received an award of $200.

Each spring, the board calls local artists to submit original artwork to feature on the Festival t-shirt. This year’s design, selected by board members, was chosen from 14 entries.

“It’s clean, it’s colorful, and it reflects the spirit of what the Apple Festival is all about,” she said. “It’s definitely a new look for us.”

Second place, and an award of $100, went to Cecil Smith of Lincoln County; third place, and an award of $75, went to Amanda Black of Stanley.

Donnelly was both surprised and pleased that his design took the top spot.

“What’s especially nice is that I get to see so many people walking around wearing my design,” he said.

The shirts are $10 for small through extra large, and $12 for 2XL and 3XL. Shirts are available now at the Lincoln Cultural Center, Southern Charm Winery, the Lincoln County Cooperative Extension office, and the Lincolnton – Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office. They will also be available at the Apple Queen Pageant on August 6 at the Citizen’s Center. Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office. You will also be able to buy shirts at either Festival information stations on the day of the Festival.

“All that we make from this year’s sales go back into the 2017 Apple Festival,” said Carole Howell, coordinator, “so we hope they sell like funnel cakes.”

###

The winning designer of the 2016 Apple Festival t-shirt contest, Matt Donnelly, and Festival board chair Pete DeGregory, show off their festival wear. Apple Festival t-shirts are available at four downtown locations, and will be available at the Festival.

###

2016 Apple Festival Facts:

A visit from Sir Purr, an expanded Ag City, and new arts and crafts are new to this year’s Apple Festival

First Federal Savings Bank is the presenting sponsor for this year’s festival.

Other sponsors so far are Duke Energy, Fifth Third Bank, Universal Windows, Country Time Party Rentals, Bath Fitter, Gutter Dome, Carolina Home Remodeling, OneMain Financial and Joyce Factory Direct.

For the first time ever, the Apple Festival will welcome Sir Purr of Panthers, who will visit with fans and pose for photos on the East side of the Court Square from 11 a.m. until Noon.

Ag City, new to the Apple Festival last year, is moving from the Farmer’s Market to West Main Street with expanded displays and interactive features and games. (Tom Dyson at Cooperative Extension can tell you more.)

The newly crowned Apple Queen will reign over the Festival from the Business and Professional Women’s booth on the East side of Court Square.

65 craft vendors with more than 20 new for 2016

48 food vendors

65 business and non-profit exhibitors

5 local apple growers will be onsite.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 2, 2016
For more info, contact Carole Howell at 704-530-4636

Apple Festival Plans are Blossoming

Even though September 17 is quite a ‘ways away, plans for the annual Lincoln County Apple Festival are past the budding phase and are in full bloom. The popular Festival, now in its 44th year, attracts families from all over for a full day of country fair-style fun.

“We’ve signed a number of talented new craft vendors for this year, and many others will be returning,” said Festival Coordinator Carole Howell.

Craft vendors come from Lincoln and the six surrounding counties. All crafts are handmade by the seller. All food is provided by Lincoln County non-profits. Lincoln County apple growers are naturally on hand with fresh apples by the bag and the bushel, cider, and other apple products.

Important to this year’s success will be corporate sponsorships. Because the Apple Festival is a non-profit organization with a volunteer board, this is the first time the Festival has ever solicited local businesses as sponsors.

“Because we’re not for profit and don’t receive funds from the city or county, it’s important for us to cover our operational expenses through sponsorships,” said Howell. “We will use dollars raised through sponsorships to pay our expenses and help keep our booth prices at the low to middle range compared to similar festivals. The income also allows us to bring in special features, and ensure funds for planning the next year’s Festival.”

First Federal Savings Bank of Lincolnton has already committed to a major sponsorship, and sponsorships are available at many levels and include advertising.

“We truly appreciate the community spirit of our sponsors,” said Howell. “And where else in the region can you receive exposure to more than 80,000 people in a single day?”

Crust – In a large bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, and cut in the butter with two forks. Keep working until mixture is combined and pea-sized crumbly bits are present. Turn mixture out into prepared pan, hard-packing it with your fingertips in an even, smooth, flat layer to form a crust. Bake for 14-15 minutes, or just until set (set a timer). Remove from oven; set aside. While crust bakes, prepare the remaining layers.

Cheesecake – In a large bowl (same one used for crust is okay, just wipe with a paper towel), add all ingredients and beat with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously by hand) until smooth and combined, about 2 minutes on high power; set aside.

Apples – Peel, core, and dice apples and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and toss well to combine; set aside.
Crumble – In a medium bowl, add the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cut in the butter with two forks. Keep working until mixture is combined and pea-sized crumbly bits are present. If necessary, add an extra tablespoon or two of flour or oats for preferred consistency if mixture is loose. After removing pan with the crust layer from the oven, pour cheesecake mixture over the crust, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula. Lightly and evenly sprinkle the apples. Evenly sprinkle with the crumble mixture. It looks like a lot, but it sinks some while baking. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes (I baked 48 minutes), or until crumble topping is just set and very lightly golden browned. Place pan on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes.

Caramel – After 30 minutes, evenly drizzle with (salted) caramel sauce. Allow bars to cool, in pan, on wire rack for at least 4 hours, or overnight. Cover with foil if cooling overnight. Don’t slice bars too early because you’ll have a literal hot mess and bars will likely fall apart. Prior to slicing, lift bars out using foil overhang, slice, and serve. Bars will keep airtight at room temp for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Optionally serve with ice cream.

Peel, slice, and core apples. Cut into small chunks. Place into large pot and add spice, sugar and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes. Check apples to see if they are soft and sweet enough. If not, add more sugar or a little honey. Mash apples with potato masher or process in food processor for a smoother texture. May be served hot or cold, refrigerate leftovers.

Wash apples, core, slice, and cut into small pieces (peeling optional). Place apples in a 2 quart pot with the butter, cinnamon, sugar, cinnamon candies and water. Cook on medium until the apples are tender, about 20 minutes, stirring periodically.

While apples are cooking, prepare the Honey Cinnamon Sauce by combining 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer on low until warm and well mixed. Be careful not to stir too quickly or heat to high or the honey will “cream,’’ becoming white in color.

Have crêpes ready. Place large spoonful of apples in the waiting crepe, fold edges over each other, gently turn folded side down. Drizzle with the warm honey cinnamon sauce and serve immediately. Top with whipped cream if you like, then drizzle the sauce.

Repeat with remaining batter adding butter to pan as needed. When cool, stack crêpes with waxed paper or paper towels between them. Makes about 16 crêpes. Crêpes will keep in refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

In large bowl, mix sugar and jelly together to make a smooth consistency. Add lemon juice. Stir in apples and strawberries. Place in fridge for at least 2 hours but it can be left overnight. After the apples have sat, dump the apple and strawberry mixture in a colander and drain the juice off. DO NOT RINSE the apples. (the apple mixture should be wet but not soppy).

Preheat deep fryer to 375 degrees.

Lay 1 pre-made egg roll wrapper on flat surface. Use finger or brush to make a 1 inch border of water around the edge of the entire wrapper (this acts as glue). Place 2 tablespoons of apple filling on the wrapper and roll. All egg roll wrapper packages give detailed instructions on how to roll an egg roll. If you have never made them before, follow those detailed instructions.

Place in hot oil for 4-6 minutes flipping over halfway through for even frying.

Place the egg rolls standing up in a container lined with paper towels to drain. (This will help prevent a soggy egg roll.) Once egg rolls are cooled, sprinkle with granulated or powdered sugar depending on your preference. Serve with dipping sauce.